New handguns sold by a dealer have to be on the state roster, and that list has shrunk sharply over the years, so many common pistols aren’t available new from a shop. But an off-roster handgun can still change hands legally through a Private Party Transfer at a licensed dealer: the roster requirement doesn’t apply to a PPT between two individuals.
Sources
- The full detail: How a Private Party Transfer works
Related answers
- Do I need a permit or license just to buy a gun?
- Can I buy more than one handgun at the same time?
- What do I actually need to bring to the dealer?
Get the weekly Roster and Law brief
One email a week on California roster changes, new laws and court rulings. Alerts when something changes.